Part 6: An Outdoor Room Makeover

Contributing editor Frances Schultz continues her East Hampton home renovation by creating an outdoor room. Missed part of the series? Jump back to the beginning with Part 1: The Living Room Makeover.

Courtesy of Frances Schultz

Pretend Provence

The existing flagstone terrace had room to grow.

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Trevor Tondro

After: Plush Patio

When choosing outdoor furniture, keep in mind comfort, portability, weather-resistance, and maintenance. Are you napping and reading or socializing in it? Will it require winter storage? Can cushions stay out in the rain? Will the birds bombard? Will the fabric show stains?

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Courtesy of Frances Schultz

Before: Lackluster Landscape

A miniscule patio and an awkward row of plants left much to be desired.

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Trevor Tondro

After: Luscious Landscape

Outdoor rooms are magical in the way they increase a house's living space. Bee Cottage originally had a brick patio off the garden room. And off the dining room, there was a small flagstone terrace with a grapevine-covered (!) pergola. I didn't dare touch that little piece of pretend-Provence, but the patio had room to grow. As I wrote last month, Bee is all about the garden, but sadly, there is precious little view of it from inside. A large porch opening onto it is the next best thing, and a covered, heated porch is even better. April through November, this is where I live.

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